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Byline: Peter Smolowitz
CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ The students shouted as they counted their calisthenics. Sweat poured from their faces. But as drill instructors ordered the teens to run faster and jump higher, a different scene emerged in one corner.
A heavyset girl couldn't keep up with the jumping jacks. The instructor in camouflage pants and combat boots seemed calmer as he approached. He patted her on the back, nodded and encouraged her to keep moving, even if at a slower pace.
Welcome to the Right Choices Boot Camp. This is where Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools sends troublemakers to break them down and rebuild them before they become incorrigible.
Analysts say such school-run programs are rare, and they're split on the effectiveness. But at least one principal said…